Govt moves to modernise immigration as tourist surge

ZANZIBAR: WITH tourist arrivals continuing to rise sharply, the government, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has unveiled plans to modernise and strengthen the Immigration Department as part of a broader strategy to support the growth of the tourism sector.

Statistics show that Tanzania received 1,924,240 tourists in 2024, with arrivals increasing to 2,097,823 in 2025, representing a rise of 173,583 visitors.

The tourism sector generated an estimated 10.14 tri/- in revenue in 2024, highlighting its critical contribution to the national economy.

Speaking during a meeting with management, senior officers and immigration personnel in Zanzibar, the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr George Simbachawene, said immigration officers play a pivotal role as the first point of contact for tourists and other visitors entering the country.

He urged officers to uphold professionalism, hospitality and courtesy, noting that immigration officers are effectively the country’s “receptionists” and the face of Tanzania to the world.

“Every visitor meets an immigration officer when they arrive and bids farewell to the same officer when they leave. You are the receptionists; you are the face of Tanzania. You carry our hospitality, our culture and our national image,” said Mr Simbachawene.

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He stressed that immigration officers must not only facilitate entry and exit but also remain attentive to visitors’ welfare throughout their stay, whether they are tourists or investors.

“If you see a visitor being harassed or inconvenienced even in the streets step in and assist. This is the guest you welcomed into our country. Immigration officers are our number-one diplomats, representing the authority and dignity of the nation,” he added.

On education and recruitment standards, the minister said the minimum qualification for immigration officers, including rankand-file personnel, should be a diploma or higher, to ensure effective service delivery in a diverse and competitive tourism market.

“An immigration officer is a diplomat. They must be knowledgeable, welltrained and able to communicate effectively with visitors,” he said.

Mr Simbachawene emphasised the importance of multilingual skills, urging officers to master foreign languages such as English, Arabic, French and Chinese, noting that language proficiency is essential for career progression.

“We want immigration officers who can communicate confidently with visitors from different parts of the world. That is why recruitment standards now begin with at least Division Three at Form Four, allowing officers to grow academically and professionally while serving,” he said.

He also called on training institutions to incorporate tourism studies into their curricula, enabling immigration officers to better understand tourist attractions, wildlife and the broader tourism market.

Infrastructure expansion underway Meanwhile, Zanzibar Immigration Commissioner Mr Hassan Ally Hassan said the department is implementing several development projects aimed at improving service delivery and staff welfare.

He said ongoing projects include the construction of offices and staff housing in Micheweni (North Pemba), the Urban West Regional Immigration Office, the Immigration Training College at Kitogani, and the Paje District Immigration Office.

Mr Hassan said the projects reflect the government’s commitment to building a modern, professional and service-oriented immigration department capable of supporting Zanzibar’s expanding tourism and investment landscape.